The Government has announced a Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate as part of its wide-ranging Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener report released 19 October 2021.
The report confirms the Government’s desire to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 and that between 2030 and 2035 all new cars and vans can only be sold if they offer significant zero emission capability.
The mandate to regulate this will set vehicle manufacturers a target for the percentage of vehicles that must be zero emission starting 2024.
“I think what is clear from this report is the unbending route towards zero emissions for fleets, business users, and private drivers,” commented Mike Manners, Managing Director of CBVC Vehicle Management.
“For fleets in particular, we would encourage them to start the electrification process as soon as possible to take advantage of the many tax breaks and running cost advantages electric cars offer, as well as the environmental benefits.”
There are also further grants totalling £620 million earmarked for plug-in grants and charging infrastructure. The latter will be focused on improving on-street residential charge points to enable those drivers without off-street parking to take advantage of zero emission driving.
The current Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme will change at the end of March 2022. It will no longer be available to home owners. Instead it will be focused on high-rise and flat dwellers – see our story on this here: Homeowners need to act fast on EV chargeponts as grants are withdrawn. It now appears that the Government intends to spread that wider to include a variety of on street charging options.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, commenting on the Government’s plans said:
“We’re going further and faster than ever to tackle climate change. Together with an additional £620 million to support vehicle grants and charging infrastructure, our plans for an ambitious zero emission vehicle mandate show that we’re leading the world on the switch to EVs.”
Paul Willcox, Managing Director of Vauxhall, added:
“Vauxhall welcomes the UK government’s announcement to implement a zero emission vehicle mandate which will provide clarity to the UK motor industry and the rest of the electric vehicle ecosystem, on the basis of a 360-degree approach.
“Vauxhall believes a ZEV mandate can work in the UK provided there are complementary targets on the other key parts of the electric vehicle ecosystem which are key to driving Britain to a more sustainable transport infrastructure.
“With our Ellesmere Port plant set to become the first electric vehicle only factory within the Stellantis group, we look forward to working with the government on the detail of how a ZEV mandate can be implemented and help support a sustainable vehicle marketplace in the UK.”
If you want your fleet to start the decarbonisation process, talk to one of our leasing experts about how your fleet can transition to EVs. Call: 01283 351200 or email sales@cbvc.co.uk.
